There were long queues at various money transfer services in Apia on Saturday morning as hundreds of people waited in line to collect remittance sent by families living abroad.

Long line of people were seen outside the business premises of Pacific Ezy Money, Western Union outlets, Ink Patch Money Transfer with some queues leading all the way to public roads.

Some of those who were standing in line had waited for hours and included youth and the elderly people, braving Apia's scorching heat and high humidity. 

Due to Samoa being under Alert Level 3, only two days have been permitted per week for all essential services and businesses to open from 8am to 2pm.

However, on Saturday a public notice advised that the opening hours have been extended to 5pm. 

Due to so many people lining up, there was not enough space to social distance. 

According to a member of the public, 32-year-old Leotasi Petelo, he said the 6-hour window for the public to stock-up on essential supplies was too short.

He said they woke up early in the morning to come to Apia, only to be caught up in the queue of slowing moving cars. 

“I parked my car away from the money transfer because there was no available parking nearby," he said. “My family overseas in New Zealand have sent money so we can care for my elderly parents, to ensure we provide all their needs. 

“However, during the lockdown, I could not work because only those who are [in] essential [services] could do so therefore that led to not having enough money to get by.”

Mr. Petelo said it is sad to see that so many people travelled to town for the same reason – yet there was not enough time to do everything they wanted to do. 

“I have to stand here and wait while I haven’t done our family’s shopping.”

He also appealed to the Government o extend the opening hours so that everyone could have enough time to get basic needs such as food supplies and cash power.

A mother of five, Lepa Sione said while she was standing in line, her husband was taking her children to get vaccinated.

“We only have less than six hours to make sure we get some money, then buy three days’ worth of shopping for my family especially the children.”

She said that the limited time is inconvenient for many families.